Assault trial begins for man who allegedly shot at Corinth officers

Defendant Charles Williams Jr., 51, allegedly shot at officers while they were investigating him in a driving while intoxicated case.

On Feb. 2, 2021, at about 8:20 p.m., Corinth officers were dispatched to a call about a reckless driver on the Interstate 35E service road near Swisher Road. Police located the suspect vehicle, described as a Ford F-150 pickup, near Williams’ home in the 2600 block of Nash Drive.

When Officer Archippus Daily contacted Williams, an affidavit alleges Williams became verbally aggressive toward Daily and displayed a firearm.

Officers Ashley Flack and Jennifer Allen arrived at the scene to assist Daily. All the officers were wearing distinct police uniforms, according to the affidavit. The affidavit alleges Williams continued to be verbally aggressive and refused to drop the handgun after several verbal commands to do so.

The affidavit states officers deployed a less-lethal shotgun with bean bag rounds at Williams to gain compliance. Williams, after being struck by the rounds, allegedly raised his firearm and shot at officers multiple times.

Williams was transported to Medical City Denton after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, the affidavit states. After his treatment, he was arrested. A woman at his residence was also injured during the altercation and treated for her injuries.

The officers were not injured but were placed on administrative leave pending a use-of-force investigation. But the Texas Rangers ultimately determined the officers did not do anything wrong. A Denton grand jury declined to indict the officers involved.

In July 2021, Williams’ attorneys released Ring security camera footage of the incident, alleging that officers shot at Williams “without justifiable provocation.” A Corinth police spokesperson said at the time of the release that the footage was carefully edited.

Williams’ case is being tried in the 462nd District Court presided by Judge Lee Gabriel.